Bessie Smith (April 15, 1894 – September 26, 1937) was an American blues singer. Nicknamed The Empress of the Blues, Smith was the most popular female blues singer of the 1920s and 1930s.[1] She is often regarded as one of the greatest singers of her era and, along with Louis Armstrong, a major influence on other jazz vocalists.[2]
In 2002 Smith's recording of the single, “Downhearted Blues“, was included by the National Recording Preservation Board in the Library of Congress National Recording Registry.[23] The board selects songs on an annual basis that are “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”[24] “Downhearted Blues” was included in the list of Songs of the Century by the Recording Industry of America and the National Endowment for the Arts in 2001. It is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as one of the 500 songs that shaped rock 'n' roll.[25]
More here. (Note: One post throughout February will be dedicated to Black History Month.)